Supplementation of polyclonal antibodies, developed against epitope-string toxin-specific peptide immunogens, to commercial polyvalent antivenom, shows improved neutralization of Indian Big Four and <i>Naja kaouthia</i> snake venoms.

ABSTRACT: Snakebites profoundly impact the rural population of tropical nations, leading to significant socio-economic repercussions. Polyvalent antivenom (PAV) therapy faces several limitations, including intra-specific variations and poor efficacy against some major toxins and low molecular mass, poorly immunogenic toxins, which contribute to increased mortality and morbidity rates. Innovative strategies for developing novel antivenoms are continuously explored to address these challenges. The present study focuses on designing of 17 epitope-string toxin-specific peptide immunogens from pharmacologically active major and/or poorly immunogenic toxins (snake venom metalloprotease, Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor, phospholipase A₂, three-finger toxin) from the venom of the 'Big Four'

SUBMITTER: Chanda A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11471238 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature